How Tobacco Is Planted

Flowering tobacco is closely related to petunias (Petunia x hybrida).

Flowering tobacco plants (Nicotiana alata and Nicotiana sylvestris) attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden from spring until the first fall frost. They are perennial plants that are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 10 and 11, but they are grown as annuals everywhere else. The plants grow to a height of 1 to 5 feet and bloom in various shades of green, pink, red or white, depending on the species or cultivar. They are easy to grow from seeds, although seedlings are commonly available at garden centers.

1

Sow the seeds indoors one to two months before the last expected hard frost. Fill a flat or smaller containers with a commercial seed-starting mix. Moisten the mix with room-temperature water. Sprinkle the seeds over the surface of the potting mix and lightly press them down onto the soil. Plant only 1 to 2 seeds per container when small containers are used. Leave the seeds uncovered. They require light to germinate.

2

Set the flat or containers in bright, indirect light. Maintain a soil temperature of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Mist them with room-temperature water once or twice each day to keep the potting mix moist. The seeds usually germinate in one to three weeks. Set the seedlings in front of a sunny window after they emerge. Six to eight hours of direct sunlight is ideal. Thin the seedlings by removing the smaller, weaker ones after they have developed two sets of leaves.

3

Put the seedlings outside in a shady, protected area for four hours every day after the last expected frost to get them used to being outdoors. Increase the length of time outdoors each day over the next two weeks and gradually put them in a brighter location until they get used to full sunlight for four to eight hours each day. Water them when the top of the soil begins to dry.

4

Plant tobacco seedlings in the garden in full sun or partial shade after all danger of frost has passed. Dig the planting holes with a hand trowel just deep enough for the seedlings to be set at the same depth they were growing in the flat or containers. Space short cultivars that grow to only 1 foot tall about 6 to 12 inches apart. Set tall varieties 18 to 30 inches apart. Water them immediately after planting to moisten and settle the soil.

About the Author

Reannan Raine worked for 30 years in the non-profit sector in various positions. She recently became a licensed insurance agent but has decided to pursue a writing career instead. Ms. Raine is hoping to have her first novel published soon.